WA's status solidifies as one of the most expensive places in US

In the past decade, Washington has become one of the most expensive states to live in.

Drawing from an array of federal and state data, a new analysis shows the state’s cost of living rising faster than the national average over that time, with only California, New Jersey, Hawaii and Washington, D.C. considered more expensive in 2023.

The 12-page Prices We Pay report, produced by the Washington Roundtable in concert with researchers at the consultancy Kinetic West, details the areas where Washington is becoming less affordable. Its authors don’t suggest actions to bend the curve, instead hoping the data will inform decision making by public and private sector leaders.

“We have to understand what’s driving these cost pressures,” said Rachel Smith, president of the Washington Roundtable, a voice for senior executives of major businesses.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/03/26/was-status-solidifies-as-one-of-the-most-expensive-places-in-us/